News

EMBO Installation Grants help scientists get set up in Europe

Heidelberg, 8 December 2006 - The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has singled out ten talented life scientists to receive EMBO Installation Grants, a new scheme that aims to strengthen science in selected member states of the EMBC, EMBO's intergovernmental funding body. The grants will help the scientists to relocate and set up their research groups in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Portugal and Turkey.

EMBO Installation Grants are financed entirely by the EMBC Member States hosting the grantees. Each scientist will receive 50,000 euro annually for three to five years, giving them the extra resources they need to get their groups started and establish themselves in the European scientific community. Networking is a key part of this and grantees will be integrated into the prestigious EMBO Young Investigator network, putting them in touch with some of Europe's best young group leaders and providing them with a range of career development and networking support.

This first application round for EMBO Installation Grants was highly competitive and the successful candidates were handpicked by a committee of EMBO Members for the high standard of their research. By bringing this level of scientific talent into the participating countries, EMBO hopes to help them become more competitive in European science. Three of the ten grantees will set up their groups in Poland, two in Portugal, two in Turkey and one in Croatia, the Czech Republic and Estonia respectively. Four scientists will move from positions in the USA and the rest will relocate from countries in and around Europe.

EMBO Executive Director, Frank Gannon said: "We congratulate this first group of scientists to receive EMBO Installation Grants and welcome them to the EMBO community. These talented researchers will benefit from a powerful support network in the coming years. Not only do they have the secure financial backing of their host countries but also the active interest and support of EMBO in their scientific and professional development. These first grantees represent a promising scientific future – not only for the countries receiving them but ultimately for Europe as a whole."

The next application deadline for EMBO Installation Grants is 15 April 2007.